Theory Toolbox Chapters 1&2

1.Why Theory?

We use theory to add intergrity to peoples  opinions.

2.How does the reading explain “a natural fact”?

Natural fact is that everything is the way it’s always been and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. 

3.What is “theoretical point #1”

4. In Chapter 1 the book states, “Theory does something: It becomes productive or useful for asking reflexive questions about how things work and how they might work differently”(page 4). Give an example of the types of questions you could ask (by putting Theory into action) in the following situation:

Why do we put art on a pedestal, by leaving it uneat how does that change what the piece is saying? Why may the teacher want us to leave it neat?

5. How does the book define “canonicity”?

The list of accepted “great” works that deserve continued scholarly attention. 

6. What is meant by death of the author?

That it doesn’t matter what the authors intentions were as long as you can back up what you think.

7.Explain why a person could write a great poem or story and not be considered an “author” or in the “canon”.

The writers work might not be considered of schollarly importance.

8. Explain how the Theory Toolbox describes the “author-Function”.

A garuntee of meaning throughout much of history literary criticism.